31 Across

NYT Daily ? October 1, 2025

Its roles include the kings of both Egypt and Ethiopia

Answer:

AIDA

Hint:

This Verdian opera heroine is torn between love for an enemy officer and loyalty to her royal father, all set to a triumphant march.

Explanation:

This clue points to "AIDA," the title character of Verdi’s famous opera. In the story, Aida is an Ethiopian princess enslaved in Egypt, making her connected to the kings of both nations—her father is the King of Ethiopia, while she’s caught in the court of Egypt’s Pharaoh. The clue cleverly hints at her dual royal ties without naming her directly.

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General solving tip

Fill-in-the-blank clues want a set phrase or idiom. The crosses usually confirm the exact wording.

More tips → General Hints